And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, And AhijahAhijah the Shilonite was a prophet during the reign of Solomon. His name means "brother of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my brother," indicating a close relationship with God. Prophets in Israel were God's mouthpieces, often delivering messages of both judgment and hope. Ahijah's role here is pivotal as he acts as a divine messenger, setting the stage for a significant shift in Israel's history. took hold of
This phrase signifies a deliberate and purposeful action. In the Hebrew context, taking hold of something often implies authority and intention. Ahijah's action is not random but a symbolic gesture directed by God to convey a profound message to Jeroboam, Solomon's servant. the new cloak
The cloak, or "mantle," in ancient Israelite culture, was more than just a garment; it symbolized authority and identity. The fact that it was "new" suggests a fresh beginning or a new phase. In the prophetic tradition, a cloak could also represent the prophetic office or the anointing of God. Ahijah's use of a new cloak underscores the newness of the impending change in Israel's leadership. he was wearing
This detail emphasizes the personal nature of the prophecy. Ahijah uses his own garment, indicating that the message is directly from him as God's representative. It also suggests immediacy and personal investment in the prophetic act, as he sacrifices his own cloak to deliver God's message. tore it into twelve pieces
Tearing a garment in the Hebrew tradition often symbolizes mourning, distress, or a significant change. The number twelve is significant in Israel's history, representing the twelve tribes descended from the sons of Jacob. By tearing the cloak into twelve pieces, Ahijah visually and symbolically communicates the division of the united kingdom of Israel. This act foreshadows the splitting of the kingdom after Solomon's reign, with ten tribes forming the northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam and two tribes remaining with the house of David in the southern kingdom of Judah. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ahijah the ProphetA prophet from Shiloh who plays a significant role in the division of the kingdom of Israel. He is known for delivering God's message to Jeroboam. 2. JeroboamA servant of Solomon who becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division. He is the recipient of Ahijah's prophecy. 3. The New CloakSymbolizes the kingdom of Israel. Ahijah's act of tearing it into twelve pieces represents the division of the kingdom. 4. The Twelve PiecesSymbolize the twelve tribes of Israel. This act foreshadows the division of the united kingdom into two separate entities: Israel and Judah. 5. ShilohThe place where Ahijah the prophet is from, historically significant as a religious center before the temple was built in Jerusalem. Teaching Points Symbolism in ProphecyThe use of physical symbols, like the cloak, is a powerful way God communicates His plans. Understanding these symbols can deepen our comprehension of God's messages. Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's disobedience led to the division of the kingdom. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. God's SovereigntyDespite human actions, God's plans prevail. The division of the kingdom was part of His divine plan, showing His control over history. The Role of ProphetsProphets like Ahijah are vital in conveying God's will. Their messages, though sometimes difficult, are crucial for guiding God's people. Unity and DivisionThe tearing of the cloak into twelve pieces is a stark reminder of how division can arise from disobedience and lack of unity among God's people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the symbolism of the torn cloak in 1 Kings 11:30 help us understand the nature of God's messages through prophets? 2. In what ways can the division of the kingdom serve as a warning for us today regarding the consequences of disobedience to God? 3. How does the account of Ahijah and Jeroboam illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over human history? 4. What lessons can we learn from the role of prophets in the Old Testament that apply to how we receive and respond to God's word today? 5. How can we work towards unity within our own communities to prevent division, drawing from the lessons of Israel's history? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:31-32These verses continue the account, where Ahijah explains the symbolism of the torn cloak, indicating the division of the kingdom. 1 Samuel 15:27-28Similar symbolism is used when Samuel tears Saul's robe, signifying the kingdom being torn from Saul. 2 Chronicles 10:15-19Provides a historical account of the division of the kingdom, fulfilling Ahijah's prophecy. Isaiah 7:14While not directly related, it uses symbolic acts to convey prophetic messages, similar to Ahijah's tearing of the cloak. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Ahijah, Ahi'jah, Caught, Cloak, Garment, Hands, Hold, Laid, Layeth, Parting, Pieces, Rendeth, Rent, Robe, Seized, Tore, Twelve, Violently, WearingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:30 5144 cloak 1 Kings 11:26-33 7233 Israel, northern kingdom 1 Kings 11:29-31 7773 prophets, role 1 Kings 11:29-32 1424 predictions 1 Kings 11:29-33 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 11:29-39 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:30 NIV1 Kings 11:30 NLT1 Kings 11:30 ESV1 Kings 11:30 NASB1 Kings 11:30 KJV
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